Corrupt Communication

by Stephen Ross

"The tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity ... " James 3:6a

Christian, we grieve the Holy Spirit of God
by the "corrupt communication" which proceeds out of our mouths. The
Word of God tells us that evil speaking, foolish talking, filthy
communication, blasphemy, clamour, jesting, and lying should be put
away from us and should never be a part of our speech as saints of God
(Ephesians 4:25, 29-5:4; Colossians 3:8).

Therefore, there are certain words and
expressions commonly used today even among Christians which we
need to "prove" in light of God's Word and to purge from our speech.
Please prayerfully consider the following words and expressions for
our Lord's sake, our brethren's sake, our neighbor's sake, our
children's sake, and for our own sakes. For "if any man offend not in
word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole
body" (James 3:2).

Corrupt Words:

gee — euphemism for Jesus used as an
introductory expletive or to express surprise or enthusiasm. This
commonly used euphemism blasphemes the name of our blessed
Saviour and Lord.

Note: an euphemism is "the substitution
of an agreeable or inoffensive expression for one that may offend or suggest
something unpleasant."

jeepers — another euphemism for Jesus.

golly and gosh — euphemisms for God. When we use these words
we are taking God's name in vain.

darn — euphemism for damn.

heck — euphemism for hell.

Corrupt Expressions:

oh my god! — a very common expression used by
adults and children. The Third Commandment says "Thou shalt not
take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold
him guiltless that taketh His name in vain" (Exodus 20:7; Deuteronomy 5:11).

holy cow, holy mackerel, holy smoke — used
as an exclamation of surprise, amazement, or bewilderment. The Bible says
"He sent redemption unto His people ... holy and reverend is his name" (Psalm
111:9).

Christian, perhaps you can think of additional words and expressions
which God calls "corrupt communication." Let us put all these
words away from our lips and lives, and let the Word of Christ dwell in
us richly. "Let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually"
(Hebrews 13:15) and speak "that which is good to the use of edifying,
that it may minister grace unto the hearers" (Ephesians 4:29).